Perfect Fit - Brenda Jackson [41]
Malcolm pushed his glasses higher on the bridge of his nose. “Yes, I can actually visualize just what you have in mind, but to pull that off means restructuring this entire area and making it larger,” he said, pointing to the scale model of Eden on the table. “We already have the space if we knock down this wall and combine these two buildings, which shouldn’t be much of a problem due to their close proximity. An architect will have to redesign the interior to include a stage and vaulted ceiling.”
Sage lifted an anxious brow. “But it can be done?”
Malcolm chuckled. “Yes, and I’m sure the architect would jump at the chance to do it since it would mean additional money in his pocket. But even if you convince John Landmark of the feasibility of your idea, you still have to tread lightly with the guy whose company is building the resort. His crew is working under tight time restraints, and he won’t like it if he has to do anything major that will take more time. And what you’re thinking about doing is pretty major.”
Malcolm paused and lifted a glance at her. “But I can tell by that look in your eye that you feel it’s worth a shot.”
Sage nodded, smiling, as she picked up her clipboard. “Yes, I do, Malcolm. Not everyone who’ll come to Eden will want to frequent the nightclubs or the casinos. I think that including the theater will add a touch of class and elegance.”
“I won’t present an argument there,” Malcolm said, looking at his watch. “Sorry, but I got to run. I’m picking Leanne up from the airport.”
A smile curved the corners of Sage’s lips. Leanne was Malcolm’s wife of ten years and was still living in California. She planned to join him in Anchorage at the beginning of the summer when the school year ended for their eight-year-old son.
Malcolm was a good-looking man, and it didn’t go unnoticed that several women in surrounding offices intentionally flirted with him, some bolder than others. But Sage had never witnessed a time that he flirted back, or took the women up on their offers. It was good to know that some men still honored the wedding vows they made.
“Okay, but drive carefully, Malcolm. The snow is pretty deep on the roadways.”
Malcolm nodded as he slipped into his coat. “Yeah, and you do likewise. And when you get home, you might want to think of how you’ll get Gabe Blackwell to agree to go along with your idea to reconstruct that northwest building. It won’t be easy.”
Sage thought about the last time that she had seen Gabe, when they’d met at the Garden Club for a business dinner. That had been nearly a month ago. She knew he resided in Anchorage the majority of the time, but for some reason their paths had not crossed since that night. “I think that once I present my idea to him, he’ll agree it would be worth the trouble. I really don’t think I’ll have any problem bringing him around to my way of thinking.”
Malcolm nodded, then said with a jesting smile as he headed for the door, “I was in a business meeting with Blackwell one day when the firm that’s handling the landscaping threw a few unexpected things his way, and I witnessed his reaction; so all I have to say to you is good luck.”
Later that night after taking a shower and changing into her nightclothes, Sage stood in front of the fireplace and gazed thoughtfully into the roaring flames. It was snowing outside, and according to the weather reports it would snow all day tomorrow. She had a meeting with John Landmark first thing in the